Record-breaking Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has opened up about his post-Ashes struggles and admitted he was not the best husband to his wife Emma after the hotly contested series.
Australia’s greatest player of all time was instrumental in last year’s Ashes series for many reasons.
In the first two Tests, his influence was evident as the Australians took a 2-0 lead in the series.
However, Lyon’s calf gave way in that second Test at Lords, creating absolute scenes as he limped to bat on one leg to a standing ovation, helping to take Australia home.
However, after those Trials, the story was different. Australia would not win another clash against the old enemy and had to hold on desperately to finish with a series tied 2-2, enough to retain the urn.
Australian Test spinner Nathan Lyon admitted he probably wasn’t the best husband after getting injured during the Ashes in England last year.
Lyon injured his calf during the second Test at Lords and was ruled out for the rest of the series, forced to watch the tense final three Tests in Australia.
Since The Ashes, Lyon and Emma have welcomed their first child and their relationship is going strong
Lyon said he was in suspense as he watched the three Tests on the sofa at his home in Australia.
And he admitted that he wasn’t the best companion for Emma during that stressful time, even though she was pregnant with his baby at the time.
“I probably wasn’t the best person or the best husband during that time when I was also at home watching the last three Test matches. But we got through it,” he said. 7NEWS.com.au.
When Lyon suffered a serious injury, Lyon said the first voice he wanted to hear was his wife in Australia.
And now that the dust has settled, Lyon is back to cricket and the urn is safe in Australia’s hands, he detailed his gratitude for all the support Emma gives him.
“I was able to get in touch with Emma and chat to her, which was nice and comforting,” he said.
‘She sees me in my ups and downs, probably more than anyone. To have her support, there is nothing that comes close to that in the world.
“I’m so grateful for Em and what he’s been able to do for me, especially throughout my career.”
Lyon and Emma are the glamor couple of the Australian Test cricket team
Lyon did poorly in the second Ashes Test at Lords in 2023, batting injured with Mitchell Starc to give Australia a crucial 15 extra runs.
Lyon says Emma is his biggest supporter and was the first to speak on the phone when he went down injured in England.
It comes after Lyon revealed in the latest episode of documentary series The Test that Emma didn’t want him to come out to bat while he was injured.
Lyon earned praise from the cricket world, including English fans, for coming out to bat late on Day 4, partnering Mitchell Starc for a crucial 15-run stand.
But Emma wasn’t so impressed.
“For me, it was as simple as, ‘Okay, you’re going to hit,'” Lyon said.
“My wife Em hated it, she didn’t want me to bat, Pat didn’t want me to bat, the physio didn’t want me to bat, but luckily head coach Andrew McDonald wanted me to bat.”
“So I was able to dial that in, and as soon as they said ‘Yes, you’re hitting,’ I was able to find a way to compete.”
“I just understand in Ashes cricket how big 10-15 runs are and I hate to let people down.”
